What Activity is Peru Known For?
Activity in Peru
From the awe-inspiring Andes Mountains to the wild Amazon rainforest, Peru’s varied landscape and rich biodiversity offer plenty of opportunities to get outdoors. But there’s more to this South American country than mountains and jungle – its diverse cultures, fusion cuisine, and vibrant art also deserve a place on your travel bucket list.
One of the most famous things to do in What to do in Peru is hiking to Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city nestled in the cloud-piercing peaks above the Sacred Valley. You can hike this stunning site on the infamous Inca Trail or take the less-travelled Salkantay Trek for more jaw-dropping scenery, fewer crowds, and even better views of the citadel’s ancient stone buildings.
Another great thing to do in Peru is the Ausangate Trek, which takes you up to some of the highest altitudes in the region for a truly spectacular experience. It’s not for the faint of heart – this six-day hike is tough and requires a lot of stamina, but it’s well worth the effort as you’ll see parts of the mountain range that most visitors don’t get to.
Peru is renowned for its diverse and flavorful cuisine, which draws influence from indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian culinary traditions. Be sure to try ceviche, a dish of fresh fish marinated in citrus juices, as well as other Peruvian specialties like lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), causa (potato terrine), and rocoto relleno (stuffed peppers).
What Activity is Peru Known For?
The capital Lima is a fascinating city to explore, with many of its historic attractions set around the central Plaza de Armas courtyard. But it’s also worth venturing out of the centre to check out the seaside district of Miraflores, which is full of up-market restaurants and malls.
Head further south to Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, and you’ll find yourself in a different sort of landscape. The lake is dotted with the Uros Islands, which are reed islands built by the indigenous communities that live here. These are a fascinating example of how human ingenuity can adapt to the most inhospitable environments, and an incredibly beautiful way to spend some time in Peru.
Surfing is a popular pastime in Peru, especially at the northern beach town of Mancora. The sand here is soft and gleams turquoise in the year-round sunshine. It’s a great spot to kick back and relax after a day of surfing, or to hang out with the locals while swaying to reggae beats as the sun sets over the ocean.
Lastly, you should make sure to visit the Amazon Rainforest while in Peru if you can – it’s an amazing, awe-inspiring part of the country that should be protected at all costs. The pristine ecosystem is a home to countless plant and animal species, and a vital powerhouse for soaking up carbon dioxide from the air. Unfortunately, past leadership regimes have focused more on extracting resources from the Amazon, so the region is under threat. However, there are organisations working tirelessly to change this.
Just a short distance from Machu Picchu lies the Sacred Valley, a picturesque region dotted with ancient Incan ruins, traditional villages, and stunning landscapes. Visitors can explore the ruins of Ollantaytambo, visit indigenous markets in Pisac, or simply soak in the beauty of the Andean countryside.